Work presented:Rhetoric - Hill of the PnyxPhotographs of wall scribblings in a former Turkish prison (Sinop Fortress Prison*) corresponding to a plans the Hill of Pnyx in Athens. In the background: video-Interview with Christos Yannaras.In his video work, which is part of his, project “Rhetoric - Hill of the Pnyx ”, renowned Greek philosopher and Theologian Christos Yannaras (born in Athens in 1935. Professor Emeritus of
Philosophy at the Panteion University) gives
his point of view from ancient Greek history. The text was
deliberately spoken in Greek language, the language closest to the
original language, ancient Greek. The language and location of
this project are strongly symbolic and so go beyond their place and
time. They are intended to remind us of how people all over
the world have for centuries been fighting for the freedom of
expression.

Work presented: "Self-immolation"Refers to setting oneself on fire, often as a form of protest or for the
purposes of martyrdom or suicide. It has centuries-long traditions in some
cultures, while in modern times it has become a type of radical political
protest. "The suicidal attack is an extraordinary weapon of war whereas
self-immolation is an extreme form of protest"*. As an act of protest, it is
intended to be public in at least one of two senses: performed in a public
place in view of other people, or accompanied by a written letter addressed to
political figures or to the general public. I started to develop this project in 2011 during a
protest in North Africa. It is very important to understand that I do not make
the appology of this act.
On the contrary, I would like to call our conscience for this theme which is a taboo in our society.

Works Presented

RHETORIC-Hill of the PNIX

Videoinstallation 2017 (with vinyl adhesive from the map of the Pnix and metal sculptures inspired by desk for the speaker. originally there are also a stone with the word "Bema" engraved in it-the Bema was used as an orator's platform in the ancien world)

Roter Salon im Palais am Festungsgraben. Berlin

RHETORIC – Hill of the PNIX marks the end of Youssef
Tabti’s Istanbul trilogy. The work revolves around the theme of freedom
of speech and democracy. Only the first two parts, however, could be
completed in Istanbul. After the coup attempt in 2016, Tabti had to
relocate the project to a neighbouring country – Greece. In Athens
met with Christos Yannaras, a theologian and philosopher whose theses
have caused controversy far beyond Greece. In the centre of the Pnix,
the place of popular assemblies in ancient Athens, Yannaras reminds us
of the rhetoric art of democracy and thus sensitizes us for the current
threat to freedom of expression.

Video Stills on the Hill of the PNYX (Athens) with Christos Yannaras Agora Drawing: John Travlos 1935 ASCSA

The birth of Rhetoric (Art of speaking) took place in Athens on the hill "PNYX" 500 years before Christ.
CONCEPT: The art of speaking (rhetoric, which has always laid claim to being both an art and a science) has a long tradition.
Some speeches have made history, ranging from Socrates’ apologia (399 BC) in Athens to Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream”
speech (28 August 1963) in Washington D.C. and recently Barack Obama’s State of the Nation address.
All this had its origin on the small hill in Athens called “Pnyx”. This is the place where the Rhetoric was born 500 years before
Christ.
Concept artist Youssef Tabti, currently artist in residence in Tarabya Cultural Academy, uses this site, where in ancient times
citizen assemblies took place regularly, as a backdrop. In his video work, which is part of his, project “RHETORIC-HILL OF THE
PNYX”, renowned Greek philosopher and Theologian Christos Yannaras (born in Athens in 1935. Professor Emeritus of
Philosophy at the Panteion University) gives his point of view from ancient Greek history (see film stills attached). The text was
deliberately spoken in Greek language, the language closest to the original language, ancient Greek. The language and location of
this project are strongly symbolic and so go beyond their place and time. They are intended to remind us of how people all over
the world have for centuries been fighting for the freedom of expression.

On the long term, Youssef Tabti’s aim will be to present the recordings in the form of videos as part of an exhibition. In Istanbul
he would like to present the project in a screening. (In addition, he would build some objects of stage scenery framing and adding
to the videos (like, for example, a lectern, an Indoor floor vinyl adhesive from the map of the PNYX, a stone with the word “bema”
engraved in it – the bema was used as an orator’s platform in the ancient world.

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YOUSSEF TABTI - born in Paris. lives since 1994 in Hamburg

French artist with Algerian roots.
Current political topics are of high importance in his artwork. His work includes a series of creative and social aspects. He wants to invite spectators and listeners to focus their attention towards art and politics at the same time. It is an attempt to dissolve the barriers of past and present in relation to arts and political topics.